The Nigeria Food Security Scholars Programme (NFSSP), an initiative of the Nigerian Food Security Project (NFSP) has awarded project-based grants totaling N3, 211,500 to 25 final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja.

The research grants, designed to support research-driven solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges, is targeted at supporting research in food security, agricultural supply chains, climate resilience, post-harvest loss reduction, sustainable food systems, and related areas.

The scholarship presentation ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi; the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Akeem Oyerinde; Professor Abideen Abiodun Alarape, Head, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management and Chairman of the SCRIH Scholarship Selection Committee; members of Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH); faculty members; and other stakeholders.

The Executive Director of NFSP, Ajibola Oladiipo, said the initiative is designed to ensure that research from higher institutions directly contributes to addressing food security challenges.

“We strongly believe in the value of research and want to ensure that research emerging from academic institutions is grounded in the realities of food security challenges. Our goal is to encourage students to align their projects with practical solutions that can contribute to addressing food security issues. We are committed to funding and scaling solutions that are commercially viable,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Oyerinde, said the initiative aligns with efforts to tackle food insecurity through research and innovation.

“The primary goal of this initiative is to address food insecurity in Nigeria through research. We selected 25 outstanding students who will receive support to work on issues including women and youth participation in agriculture and post-harvest loss reduction,” he said.

He described the initiative as the first of its kind in the university, noting its significance for both student development and institutional advancement. He added that the students have been grouped into thematic research clusters and are conducting studies expected to produce practical insights for the agricultural sector.

Under the programme, students will carry out their research projects under faculty supervision, with quarterly coaching and review sessions organised by SCRIH.

The project is an initiative of the SCRIH, focused on advancing agricultural research, innovation, and human capital development. Through partnerships with tertiary institutions and stakeholders, the project seeks to support practical solutions that strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses across the country.